Places of interest

Bath is a county borough with population of 80, 000 in Somerset, England. It has been noted since Roman times for its medicinal springs. Roman colonists built large pools to take ad­vantage of the curative hot springs around Bath. Today visitors flock to see the baths, which are among the finest remains in Britain. The Roman baths were first discovered in the 19^th century, lying 20 feet below street level. Two miles away from town American Museum is housed. It con­tains American decorative arts.

Battle is a small market town in East Sussex with population over 6, 000. It lies a few miles from Hastings. The town marks the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. The Historical mu­seum of Battle contains many items connected with the battle, including a reproduction of Bayeux tapestry.

Beaconsfield is an elegant old town in Buckinghamshire with population of 11, 000. A his­toric moment is the Quaker meeting house. The grave of William Penn /1644-1718/, founder of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, is in the churchyard.

Beaulieu is a small town in Hampshire with population of 800. The National Motor Mu­seum, founded by Lord Montagu in 1952, commemorates his father, who was a pioneer in motor­ing. Over 200 vehicles on display detail the history of motoring since 1895.

Beverley is a market town with population of 23, 000 in Humberside. Beverley Minster is one of the most notable Gothic churches in the country.

BIRMINGHAM with population over 1, 000, 000 is the second largest city in Britain. Birmingham developed in the 19^th century. It boasts of the Symphony Hall, one of the finest con­cert halls in Europe. The Hall of Memory commemorates citizens killed in both world wars. Bir­mingham is most productive in arts. Cathedral Church of St. Philip was consecrated in 1715. City of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is noted for its pre-Raphaelite works.

Blackpool is a city with population of 144, 000 in Lancashire. Originally a fishing village, Blackpool has mushroomed into Britain's largest holiday resort. It is known to Britons as the " Playground of the North". The chief attractions are the beach, Blackpool Sea life Centre and the Blackpool Tower, a 520-foot imitation of the Eiffel Tower. The city has the Winter Gardens and Opera House, and the famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Boston /pop. 37, 000/ is better known for association with the Massachusetts city founded by religious malcontents from the British Boston. There is a memorial to the first pilgrims.

Bradford /pop. 295, 000/ dates from Norman times. The National Museum of Photogra­phy, Film and Television displays various forms of photography and film-making. Bronte Parson­age Museum is the home of the Bronte sisters. The house contains mementoes of their lives.

Brighton & Hove /pop. 234, 000/ became a fashionable health resort with the patronage of King George IV in the 18^th century. Hove, the adjoining town, is distinguished by imposing build­ings with spacious lawns.

Bristol /pop. 373, 000/ is the port where many historic voyages began. In 1497 John Cabot sailed from Bristol to discover the northern half of the New World. Bristol retains a number of architectural treasures. Clifton Suspension Bridge still offers excellent views. Matthew Visitors' Center is the site of a reconstruction of the ship John Cabot sailed to the New World.

Cambridge /pop. 101, 000/ came into being due to its namesake – a bridge across the Cam River, the only crossing between eastern and central England. Cambridge became a seat of learn­ing in the 13^th century with the town -and-gown troubles at Oxford. Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin were the students of Cambridge. The University buildings form a rich sampling of styles from Norman to modern. Cambridge Cemetery, 3 miles west is the final resting place for 3, 800 American soldiers who lost their lives during W.W.II. Fitzwilliam Museum was founded in 1816. The art collection is now one of the best in Britain. King's College Chapel, built in 1515, is one of the finest examples of the English Perpendicular style. Visitors come here to hear the choral and organ music.

Canterbury /pop. 35.000/ is one of England's oldest and most historic cities. It was here that that Augustine initiated the English people conversion to Christianity. By the 14^th century, Canterbury had become a tourist town. Its industry was based on the pilgrimages to the shrine of St. Thomas. This aspect of the city' history is captured in G. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. The city's greatest monument is the cathedral, founded by Augustine. Its most remarkable feature is the 235 -foot bell tower, known as Bell Harry. The building is 300 feet long. There is the tomb of Edward the Black Prince who died in 1376.

Chester /pop. 120, 000/ dates from the Roman times. It was built on top of the Roman city. Chester is also noted for timber-framed houses.

Chichester /pop. 25, 000/ was important during the Roman era. The reminder of that time is the Roman palace built about 200 AD and discovered in 1960. It is the largest Roman palace in Britain and famous for its mosaics.

Coventry rose to fame as a producer of woolen cloth. Its heavy industry made it a prime target for German bombers in WWII, and much of the central city was destroyed. A new traffic-free shopping center is one feature of the rebuilt city. There is the statue of famous Lady Godiva /1040-1080/.

Derby is best known for making of fine porcelain. All Saints Cathedral Church dominates the town with its graceful 178-foot tower.

Leeds / pop. 455, 000/ has a diversified industrial base. Leeds has three fine theatres, a leading British university and an excellent art gallery.

LIVERPOOL /pop. 457, 000/ is a great seaport with miles of docks. Liverpool is known for its patronage of the fine arts and education. The city also contributed several bands, foremost among them the Beatles. The Royal Liver Building dominates the waterfront. On top of its 295-foot towers are statues of the mythical Liver Bird, which according to the local tradition gave Liv­erpool its name. Britannia Pavilion has exhibits featuring Beatles story.

MANCHESTER /pop. 450, 000/ is the capital of England's cotton manufacturing indus­try. City Art Gallery has paintings by the old masters T. Gainsborough, J. Turner and the Pre-Raphaelites.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne /pop. 203, 000/, though very old has the face of a modern industrial town. Bede's World, 9 miles east is a museum and working farm commemorating Venerable Bede /672-735/, the Anglo-Saxon monk who wrote one of the first ever history books " Historia gentis Anglorum" in 731 AD.

Nottingham /pop. 280, 000/ gained fame as the home of Robin Hood. The city has long been noted as the center of the English lace trade. The Goose Fair, a three day event, is held in October in the Forest Recreation Ground, a surviving fragment of Sherwood Forest. Newstead Abbey, 11 miles north, is the former home of Lord Byron. The house contains relics of his life and works. Nottingham Castle Museum was once the home of Robin Hood's arch-enemy, the Sheriff of Nottingham, is now a museum and art gallery.

Oxford /pop. 116, 000/ is a university and cathedral city originated in the Saxon period. Colleges of the University are clustered in the central part of the city. Access to some colleges is restricted. Ashmolean Museum is England's oldest museum. It contains European, Egyptian and Near Eastern antiquities and world art.

Plymouth /243, 000/ has been the starting point for several historical events. From here Sir Francis Drake 1540-96/ sailed to engage the Spanish Armada. It was from this part that the Pil­grim Fathers sailed in the Mayflower to found a colony in the New World. This event is marked by a memorial stone. The town suffered considerable damage during WWII.

Portsmouth /pop. 181, 000/ is an important naval dockyard noted for its shipbuilding. The city lies between two natural harbors. Three famous ships are on display here: HMS Victory was Nelson's flagship during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The nearby Royal Naval Museum de­picts the military hero and his exploits. HMS Warrior was launched in 1860 as the world's first iron-hulled armored warship. It portraits life aboard a 19^th -century warship. Mary Rose Shiphall features Henry VIII's flagship that sank off Portsmouth during a battle in 1545. The ship was raised in 1982 and is well preserved.

Sandwich /pop. 4, 600/ was an important port. During the past centuries the sea has withdrawn leaving the town 2 miles from the shore. The exclusive Royal St. George's golf course is nearby.

Sheffield /pop. 528, 000/ is an industrial river on the Don River. It is noted for manufac­ture of steel and cutlery. Of note are the City Museum and the church of St. Peter and St. Paul. In Sheffield Castle, Mary /1542-87/, Queen of Scots was captive by the Earl of Shrewsbury for 14 years.

Southampton /pop. 196, 000/ is a modern commercial port. The city offers shopping centers, a university, and sports facilities. Tudor House is a half-timbered house now used as a museum containing historical exhibits.

Stratford-upon-Avon /pop. 21, 000/ is believed to be the town where William Shakespeare have been born, married and buried. Many visitors come here to trace his life. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has restored the buildings to their original appearance. Royal Shakespeare Theatre was built in 1932 to re­place an older one. Shakespearean dramas take place from April to January. Many shops and hotels are renovated in the 16^th century style. The town is best investigated on foot. You might begin with the house on Henley Street where W. Shakespeare was born. The Museum is next to the foundation of the house where W. Shakespeare died. On Church Street is the grammar school that Shakespeare probably attended. Anne Hathaway's Cottage, at Shottery, a mile's work from Stratford, has been well preserved and is the most photographed farmhouse in England.

Winchester /pop. 35, 600/ was the capital under the Romans, Saxons, Danes and Normans. Wil­liam the Conqueror moved his court to London. Kings and Princes were crowned and buried in Winches­ter. Winchester Castle preserves the Great Hall containing a table said to be King Arthur's Round Table. Winchester Cathedral is surpassed only by Westminster Abbey. Writer Jane Austen /l775-1817/ is buried here. Winchester College is one of the oldest public schools in England.

Windsor / pop. 31, 500/ owes its fame to the great royal castle. Windsor Castle is set in the Great Park It is a museum of history and architecture, fine furnishings and artwork. In November 1992 a fire caused extensive damage, and some areas are closed for renovation. Thorp Park, 7 miles south west com­bines fun with history. The theme park has over 70 attractions. Lessons in water skiing and sailboarding are also available. Eton School is a prestigious public school, founded in 1440 by Henry VI. Many politi­cians and statesmen attended this school. Elizabeth II’s grandson William was a student of Eaton School. Ascot is the site of the famous racecourse. The Royal Ascot meeting is held in late June.

York /pop. 100, 000/ remains complete as a fort town of the Middle Ages. Young's Hotel is the birthplace of Guy Fawkes who tried to blow up Parliament in 1605. Jorvik Viking Center is a former Vi­king settlement site uncovered by archeologists. Visitors board " time cars" at a platform and watch the 20^th century recede as they descend to a Viking city beneath modem York. Museum Gardens display some of the finest Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Viking treasures found in Britain.